Are pressure groups a threat to the democratic process in the United Kingdom?

... Are pressure groups a threat to the democratic process in the United Kingdom? Pressure groups, are un-elected by the general public, yet they are a part of the political, and some could argue, the democratic process in the United Kingdom. Pressure groups are normally single-issue groups, or they claim to represent the interest of a section of society or organisations. Political parties by their very nature cannot hope to be experts on all areas of policy and issues, and therefore they have to consult with think tanks and/or pressure groups. For instance, whilst considering their policies on the environment, a political party may ask the views and opinions of the RSPB, friends of the Earth, Green peace or a particular university or think-tank. Pressure groups exist to influence government policy over the area or areas that concern that pressure group. There are two main systems that can exist where pressure groups are concerned.

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